Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 88

Xena's POV

"He's at the swing set in the west corner of the playground," William said, looking at me with concerned eyes.

"Thanks," I replied, giving Ama and William a small wave before walking out of the room

and heading toward the playground.

The wind had picked up outside, whipping my hair around my face as I spotted Ryder sitting alone on a swing, staring off into the distance. His broad shoulders were hunched slightly, his light blonde hair ruffled by the breeze. My heart clenched at the sight of him.

"Ryder..." I called softly.

He stopped swinging, only turning his head slightly to glance at me, his expression unreadable. Those green eyes that usually looked at me with such intensity now seemed

distant, guarded.

"I'm sorry," I said, walking up to stand in front of him. I reached out, cupping his face between my hands. "You did something really sweet for me, and I didn't respond the right way. I truly appreciate everything you've done."

Ryder remained motionless, saying nothing. The silence built between us like a wall, thick and impenetrable. My heart raced in my chest, each beat painful against my ribs.

"Ryder, please?" I whispered, my voice catching. The fear of his rejection cut deeper than any physical wound ever could. I felt like I couldn't breathe, each second of waiting draining what little courage I had left. "I really am sorry."

He sighed, finally standing up from the swing. Fear washed over me like a tidal wave, my heart gripped tight in an invisible fist. Once again, I'd messed up a relationship. Once again, I'd disappointed someone who cared about me.

I rose on my tiptoes and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead before turning to leave, my chest aching with each breath.

A strong gust of wind swept through the playground, blowing my hair across my face and hiding the tears that had started rolling down my cheeks. Just then, Ama and William

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Chapter 88

came running over.

"X?" Ama asked, her voice filled with concern.

"You guys have fun. I'm going for a walk," I said, heading down the steps, desperate to escape the suffocating scene.

"What the hell, Ryder?" I could still hear William's angry question behind me.

now? She's given you more than she's given anyone, and you're letting tonight go to waste over this?" Ama's accusatory voice carried on the

deserved this. Opening up was so damn hard for me, and now

the sun began to set. Most people were inside having dinner, so I was

to beckon me. I sat down on a bench,

move out tomorrow anyway,

slowly approached, and when I looked up to see

the spark of hope died, replaced by a profound sense

girl," she said

I gave her a sad smile

hand.

for you, but

as I struggled to make her understand I wasn't unwilling to change, just unsure how to break

one knows that

I sighed, the weight of disappointment heavy

chest.

it, he's just not ready to

this birthday won't be worse than the

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Chapter 88

remembering all those lonely birthdays-no cake, no well-wishes, just my

and

time. He'll

tomorrow?" I looked at her, the uncertainty

him, more afraid

Ama smiled, then looked over my

see

toward us. Ama stood

"Thank you," I whispered.

you," her words lingered in my ear as she

other end of the bench, the distance between us feeling like

a damn child waiting for

again, I will," I finally broke the silence, my

my arm

nervously and walked over to him. Ryder spread his legs, making room for me to sit on his lap. I wrapped my arms around his neck, resting my

comfort in his

whispered again, feeling the walls inside me starting

you afraid of?" he asked, his voice

me," I admitted, the